Recently, a team led by Wang Haomin from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences made significant progress in studying the magnetism of zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs) using a CIQTEK Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope (SNVM).

Building on previous research, the team pre-etched hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with metal particles to create oriented atomic trenches and used a vapor-phase catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method to controllably prepare chiral graphene nanoribbons in the trenches, obtaining ~9 nm wide zGNRs samples embedded in the hBN lattice. By combining SNVM and magnetic transport measurements, the team directly confirmed its intrinsic magnetism in experiments. This groundbreaking discovery lays a solid foundation for the development of graphene-based spin electronic devices. The related research findings, titled "Signatures of magnetism in zigzag graphene nanoribbons embedded in a hexagonal boron nitride lattice," have been published in the prestigious academic journal "Nature Materials".

Graphene, as a unique two-dimensional material, exhibits magnetic properties of p-orbital electrons that are fundamentally different from the localized magnetic properties of d/f orbital electrons in traditional magnetic materials, opening up new research directions for exploring pure carbon-based magnetism. Zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs), potentially possessing unique magnetic electronic states near the Fermi level, are believed to hold great potential in the field of spin electronics devices. However, detecting the magnetism of zGNRs through electrical transport methods faces multiple challenges. For instance, nanoribbons assembled from the bottom up are often too short in length to reliably fabricate devices. Additionally, the high chemical reactivity of zGNR edges can lead to instability or uneven doping. Furthermore, in narrower zGNRs, the strong antiferromagnetic coupling of edge states can make it difficult to detect their magnetic signals electrically. These factors hinder direct detection of the magnetism in zGNRs.

ZGNRs embedded in the hBN lattice exhibit higher edge stability and feature an inherent electric field, creating ideal conditions for detecting the magnetism of zGNRs. In the study, the team used CIQTEK's Room-Temperature SNVM to observe the magnetic signals of zGNRs directly at room temperature.

Figure 1: Magnetic measurement of zGNR embedded in a hexagonal boron nitride lattice using Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope

In electrical transport measurements, the fabricated approximately 9-nanometer-wide zGNR transistors demonstrated high conductivity and ballistic transport characteristics. Under the influence of a magnetic field, the device exhibited significant anisotropic magnetoresistance, with a magnetoresistance change of approximately 175 Ω at 4 K, a magnetoresistance ratio of about 1.3%, and this signal persisted even at temperatures as high as 350 K. Hysteresis was only observed under a magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the zGNRs, confirming its magnetic anisotropy. Through analysis of the variation of magnetoresistance with tilting angle, the researchers found that the magnetic moment is perpendicular to the sample surface. Furthermore, the decrease in magnetoresistance with increasing source-drain bias and temperature revealed the interaction between magnetic response and charge transport and thermal vibrations.

Figure 2: Magnetic transport characteristics of 9-nanometer-wide zGNR devices embedded in hBN

This research, by combining Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope technology and transport measurements, directly confirmed the existence of intrinsic magnetism in hBN-embedded zGNRs for the first time, providing a possibility for controlling magnetism through an electric field. This work not only deepens the understanding of graphene's magnetic properties but also opens up new pathways for the development of spin electronic devices based on graphene.

Experience the Nano-scale Magnetic Imaging System

CIQTEK invites you to experience the Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope (SNVM) – a globally leading nano-scale magnetic field imaging system, operating at temperatures of 1.8~300 K with a vector magnetic field of 9/1/1 T, achieving a magnetic spatial resolution of 10 nm, and magnetic sensitivity of 2 μT/Hz1/2.

SNVM is a precision measurement instrument that combines Diamond Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) technology with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) scanning imaging technology. It features high spatial resolution, high-sensitivity magnetic imaging, versatile detection capabilities, and non-invasive detection advantages, making it important in areas such as magnetic domain characterization, antiferromagnetic imaging, superconductor characterization, and research on two-dimensional magnetic materials.

Room temperature version of SNVM

Cryogenic version of SNVM

Beyong Nano, a leading innovator in nanotechnology, is set to unveil its groundbreaking model CIQTEK SEM3200 at the prestigious 33rd International Materials Research Congress taking place in Cancun, Mexico.

The Congress, known for bringing together pioneers and visionaries in the field of materials science, provides Beyong Nano with the perfect platform to showcase CIQTEK’s latest technological marvel.

The Scanning Electron Microscope is poised to revolutionize the industry with its advanced features, unparalleled performance, and potential applications across various sectors. 

Visitors to the Beyong Nano booth at the congress can experience firsthand the transformative potential of the model 3200 and engage with the company's team of experts to learn more about its features, applications, and future developments.

With six parallel conference sessions, a world-class exhibition, workshops, satellite meetings, an international Imaging Competition, and more, CIQTEK invites conference attendees to visit their booth #131 at the exhibition hall to learn more about their cutting-edge Electron Microscope instruments and solutions. The company's representatives will be available to provide detailed information, answer questions, and explore potential collaborations with researchers, scientists, and industry professionals attending the conference.

Meet us at Booth 131

Date: July 1-3, 2025

Location: Manchester Central Convention Complex, UK

In this research, the team utilized the Tungsten Filament SEM from CIQTEK for in-situ SEM fatigue testing and obtained excellent test results.

Link to the original paper:

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq6807

Recently, the first author of this paper, Professor Bo Chen from Tongji University, was invited to visit CIQTEK and granted an interview with us.

Professor Bo Chen introduces: "Our research group mainly focuses on two aspects, one being imaging with synchrotron X-rays, and the other involving electron microscopy imaging, as with CIQTEK. The work of our entire research group revolves around the nano- and micro-structures of materials, particularly in the three-dimensional nano- and micro-structures of materials. Therefore, our entire research group can be referred to as the materials nano- and micro-structure research group."

Regarding the paper recently published in "Science," Professor Bo Chen stated: "The paper seized upon a phenomenon that hadn't been extensively considered before, which is the fatigue of lithium metal. Previously, everyone believed that it was electrochemical fatigue generated during charging and discharging processes, but in reality, it also exhibits mechanical fatigue during these processes."

"The primary discovery of this research is that lithium exhibits not only electrochemical fatigue during charging and discharging but also mechanical fatigue manifested during these processes, which combined are the main causes of destruction in the lithium metal of solid-state batteries. The paper further suggests that by alloying lithium metal to enhance its physical properties, the lifespan of solid-state batteries can be improved. This is a groundbreaking finding and quite intriguing."

When designing experiments, the team observed both types of fatigue by installing fatigue devices on the electron microscope. Since the research group only had one electron microscope, in order to comprehensively observe, they used an in-situ tensile stage developed by Professor Jixue Li at Hangzhou Yuanwei Technology Company. Professor Bo Chen said, "With the help of Professor Li, we jointly created a fatigue tensile-testing device. The mechanical fatigue experiment of lithium metal was conducted by Professor Li using the electron microscope from CIQTEK for in-situ tensile testing."

When asked about his views on CIQTEK Electron Microscopes, Professor Bo Chen was very candid and sincere: "For us, our only requirement is that the equipment must perform well."

As a research scientist who enjoys hands-on exploration, Professor Bo Chen also shared some personal insights on using CIQTEK instruments. He mentioned that when the instrument offers both quality and cost-effectiveness, it greatly enhances the interest of researchers in tinkering with the machine, reduces the sense of alienation towards expensive instruments, and encourages researchers to utilize the machine more effectively, thereby unleashing more research creativity.

Ending with Professor Bo Chen's words, CIQTEK will continue to stick to the slogan： Successful Customers, Successful Companions！

Drilling Nuclear-Magnetic Resonance Logging Tool

The China International Petroleum & Petrochemical Technology and Equipment Exhibition (cippe) has established itself as a premier event in the industry, attracting key players and experts from around the world. With its extensive experience and expertise, QOILTECH is excited to join this prestigious platform and engage with industry professionals, decision-makers, and potential partners.

About QOILTECH:

QOILTECH was established in September 2020 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CIQTEK. Its core technology is magnetic resonance precision measurement, and it provides the energy industry with core key components, detection instruments and equipment, systematic solutions, and other products and services.

QOILTECH focuses on the utilization of unconventional oil and gas resources such as shale oil and gas, coalbed methane, and combustible ice. It has deployed instruments and equipment such as drilling nuclear magnetic resonance logging instruments, near-bit measurement systems, and high-rate pulses, and has opened up application scenarios such as downhole sensing and digital core analysis.

 QOILTECH Website: https://www.qoiltech.com/